Emulsifier, thickener or gelling agent
Is Span 80 halal?
Sorbitan monooleate — E494 under its trade name. Oleic acid can be plant or animal. The trade name on a cosmetics INCI list does not settle the feedstock.
Sorbitan monooleate — E494 under its trade name. Oleic acid can be plant or animal. The trade name on a cosmetics INCI list does not settle the feedstock.
What the sources say
Sorbitan monooleate — E494 under its trade name. Oleic acid can be plant or animal. The trade name on a cosmetics INCI list does not settle the feedstock.
What to ask the manufacturer
A recognised halal mark or a vegan declaration can settle this instead. If you email the brand, send one specific question:
For Span 80 in this product: is the fat from plant oil, synthetic, or animal? If animal, which species and was it slaughtered as halal?
Quick facts
| Name | Span 80 |
|---|---|
| Also on labels as | sorbitan oleate, E494, sorbitan monooleate, Span80 |
| Additive class | Emulsifier, thickener or gelling agent |
| Classification | Source-dependent |
| Last verified | 2026-09-16 |
Common questions
Is Span 80 halal?
Span 80 is classified as Source-dependent. Sorbitan monooleate — E494 under its trade name. Oleic acid can be plant or animal. The trade name on a cosmetics INCI list does not settle the feedstock.
Is Span 80 halal or haram?
On the evidence cited on this page, Span 80 is source-dependent. Doubtful until the source is known (mashbooh) Every position is attributed to a named certifier or scholarly body with a link, so you can verify it directly.
What else is Span 80 called on ingredient labels?
It can appear as: sorbitan oleate, E494, sorbitan monooleate, Span80.
Why isn't there a single yes/no answer for Span 80?
Because the ruling depends on information the label does not carry — the source material, the production route, or which scholarly position you follow. This page shows each named position with a link so you can check it yourself.
Where does this page's information come from?
Every position on this page is attributed to a named certifier or scholarly body with a direct link, listed under 'What the sources say'. Muttoo aggregates and cites; it does not issue rulings.
Record ingredient-span-80 · last verified 2026-09-16 · report an error